Augustine undertook his greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The book in fact is an extended poetic, passionate and intimate prayer. Second Edition includes an annotated bibliography by William Harmless, S.J.

The Confessions of Saint Augustine is considered the all time number one Christian classic. Augustine undertook his greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The Confessions are, in fact, an extended poetic, passionate, intimate prayer. Augustine was probably forty-three when he began this endeavor. He had been a baptized Catholic for ten years, a priest for six, and a bishop for only two. His pre-baptismal life raised questions in the community. Was his conversion genuine? The first hearers were captivated, as many millions have been over the following sixteen centuries. His experience of God speaks to us across time with little need of transpositions. This new translation masterfully captures his experience.

2nd Edition includes an annotated bibliography by William Harmless, S.J.

Reviews

“Maria Boulding’s version is of a different level of excellence from practically anything else on the market. She has perfected an elegant and flowing style.”

Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

“Maria Boulding’s translation is clear and crisp. It respects Augustine’s language concerning inclusiveness, to my knowledge the first to do so, and uniquely highlights the poetic elements embodied in Augustine’s work. I see Boulding’s work to be the English translation of The Confessions for years to come.”

Edmund Hill, O.P., Augustine Scholar

“It is truly a tour de force. Here is an Augustine as subtle, lively and challenging in the English of our time.”

Dr. Mark Vessey, Professor, Department of English, The University of British Columbia

“So old and yet so new! This contemporary translation of Augustine’s Confessions was like meeting an old friend and touching perennial truth, despite the passing years. Augustine was surely larger than life – and this translation is, too.”

Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

From the 1st edition:

Augustine’s Confessions has been much translated: but it is no exaggeration to say that Sister Maria Boulding’s version is of a different level of excellence from practically anything else on the market.

Publishers Weekly, RBL

Augustine was surely larger than life and this translation matches him.

Richard Rohr

I see Boulding’s work to be the English translation of The Confessions for years to come.

Rev. Edmund Hill, O.P., Augustine scholar

A whole new generation should fall in love with one of Christendoms greatest works thanks to Maria Boulding.

Catholic Library World

About the Author

Augustine of Hippo is one of the greatest thinkers and writers in the Western world. After becoming a Christian he was made bishop of Hippo in Africa, where he was influential in civil and church affairs. His more than 100 books, 200 letters and 500 sermons have left a lasting impact on Western philosophy and culture. His classic and best-selling works include The Confessions, The Trinity, The City of God, and Teaching Christianity.

ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Maria Boulding (1929-2009) was born in Wimbledon in south London in 1929. She spent 62 of her 80 years as a much-valued member of Stanbrook Abbey, a community of enclosed Benedictine nuns. She translated St. Augustine's Confessions (1997) and his Expositions of the Psalms in several volumes (2000-2004), to much acclaim. She is the author of Marked for Life: Prayer in the Easter Christ; The Coming of God; and Gateway to Hope: An Exploration of Failure. She served on the advisory board for the series Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century.